Smoke Signals
Tribe,
Services Department Host Gang Awareness Training
"Gang activity in Grand Ronde is low-level but emerging."
6 JUNE 1, 2007
"V, -wCi'
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"It's clear that evidence of the gang
ster mentality is present. However,
it is not nearly as problematic or
entrenched as it is in some other
Tribal communities."
Grant explained that gang activ
ity occurs in cities of any size. And
while the national age range for
for him to fathom.
"It doesn't make sense," said
Grant, "in Native American cul
ture, females were historically
treated with respect and honor.
In the gang culture, females are
often viewed as nothing more than
objects of ego-enhancement and
National Native American Gang
Specialist Christopher M. Grant
By Toby McClary
On May 23-24, the Tribe welcomed
Christopher M. Grant, National
Native American Gang Specialist,
to the community. Grant is also
the former Chief of Detectives of
the Rapid City Police Department's
Criminal Investigation Division and
the former commander of the Rapid
City Area Gang Task Force.
Grant's objective was to train
staff, community members, and ed
ucational leaders on gang culture,
early signs of gang activity, and
how gangs have an impact on the
community. Grant also spent time
touring the community and did an
evaluation of the gang activity in
and around Grand Ronde.
"I would characterize Grand
Ronde gang activity as being low
level, but emerging," said Grant.
"It's clear that evidence of the gangster men
tality is present (in Grand Ronde). However,
it is not nearly as problematic or entrenched
.as it is in some other Tribal communities."
Christopher Grant,
National Native American Gang Specialist
gang members is approximately
13-24 years old, Grant stated that
in Indian Country, the age range
descends to about 11-19 years old.
One problem that helps influence
gang mentality is adults not taking
warning signs seriously or thinking
that a group of kids "gang-banging"
are just "wannabes" said Grant.
"Juveniles with this mentality
often want to be recognized as real
'gangstas,"' explained Grant. 'They
want to be seen as real gang mem
bers and will act out on it."
Also as part of Grant's aware
ness seminar, he pointed out the
fact that females currently make
up about 10-15 percent of the gang
population, a fact that seems hard
sexual gratification."
There are approximately 24,000
different gangs in the United States
with about 800,000 active members
belonging to them. Grant explained
that where there is a lack of social,
cultural, educational, and economi
cal opportunities, gang activity will
flourish.
"I see Grand Ronde as a healthy
Tribal community," stated Grant. "I
see some very distinct advantages
within your community. Tribal staff
members honestly and sincerely
care about Tribal youth. I see a
healthy community infrastructure
including pride in community re
sources for Tribal members young
and old," he continued. "I also see
a clear and obvious dedication to
the advancement of traditional
culture which is an important bar
rier to gang activity. However, the
community is not immune from the
negative influences that spawn the
growth of gangs and drugs."
In closing, Grant offered the
community a list of recommen
dations to help prevent any fur
ther gang activity in the Grand
Ronde community:
A small community coalition
involving a cross-section of the
community to address gang is
sues as they emerge.
The development of a mentoring
program to identify Tribal youth
who are on the path of gang and
drug behavior and to help change
the course of their direction.
G.R.E.A.T. (gang resistance educa
tion and training) training for local
law enforcement in order to deliver
this gang resistance curriculum at
the middle school level.
Continuity of culturally-based
activities with specific prohibi
tion of gang activity or gang
representing.
Tracking of any and all gang in
volvement in the community
Finally, the enactment of a Tribal
gang ordinance designed to ad
dress criminal issues involved "
with gang behavior.
"While it's clear that gang activ
ity is low in the area, the same
cannot be said about drug activ
ity," said Grant. "And where drug
activity occurs, gang activity often
follows."
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Christopher M. Grant served as the guest speaker for the "Healthy Thursday" luncheon which was held on Thursday, May 24.